Action Recognition From a Single Coded Image

The unprecedented success of deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) on the task of video-based human action recognition assumes the availability of good resolution videos and resources to develop and deploy complex models. Unfortunately, certain budgetary and environmental constraints on the camera system and the recognition model may not be able to accommodate these assumptions and require reducing their complexity. To alleviate these issues, we introduce a deep sensing solution to directly recognize human actions from coded exposure images. Our deep sensing solution consists of a binary CNN-based encoder network that emulates the capturing of a coded exposure image of a dynamic scene using a coded exposure camera, followed by a 2D CNN for recognizing human action in the captured coded exposure image. Furthermore, we propose a novel knowledge distillation framework to jointly train the encoder and the action recognition model and show that the proposed training approach improves the action recognition accuracy by an absolute margin of 6.2%, 2.9%, and 7.9% on Something ²-v2, Kinetics-400, and UCF-101 datasets, respectively, in comparison to our previous approach. Finally, we built a prototype coded exposure camera using LCoS to validate the feasibility of our deep sensing solution. Our evaluation of the prototype camera show results that are consistent with the simulation results.

Abstract 4808: Identification of a novel compound, MO2455, that induces poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) accumulation and inhibits the growth of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Poly (ADP-ribose) chain (PAR) formed by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is catabolized mainly by poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG). PARG is emerging as a therapeutic target for cancer, because its inhibition leads to cell death in some kinds of cancer cell lines.

In order to obtain small molecules that effectively inhibit PARG protein, an in-house collection of ∼10,000 small molecules were screened for their ability to accumulate the PAR in A549 cells at 5 μM. We identified ∼100 hit compounds. Among them, MO2282 and MO2455 induced the most significant accumulation of PAR. MO2455 is an analogue of MO2282 with improved water-solubility. MO2282 and MO2455 were evaluated in vitro for their ability to inhibit the catalytic activity of PARG. MO2282 and MO2455 showed modest inhibition activities against recombinant rat PARG. They also inhibited the growth of various kinds of cancel cell lines in vitro at an IC50 value of 0.05 - 3.0 μM and showed different spectrum of antitumor activity from conventional anticancer drugs, CDDP, ADM, PTX, and CPT-11. Next, we investigated the growth-inhibitory effect of MO2455 on A549 cells in a xenotransplanted model. A significant anti-tumor activity was observed in mice when treated with MO2455 at doses of 25 mg/kg every two days. Although treatment-related body weight loss was observed in mice treated with MO2455, body weight recovered by day 8.

In conclusion, the present data suggest that MO2455 has potential as a cancer drug with different mechanisms of action from conventional anti-cancer drugs.

Citation Format: Tatsu Shimoyama, Takeshi Sawada, Mari Akimoto, Yuka Sasaki, Hiroaki Fujimori, Yoshinobu Ishikawa, Tadashi Okawara, Tetsumi Irie, Takeji Takamura, Kenji Matsuno, Kengo Inoue, Mitsuko Masutani, Fumiaki Koizumi. Identification of a novel compound, MO2455, that induces poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) accumulation and inhibits the growth of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4808.

Abstract P2-09-11: Identification of a novel inhibitor of triple-negative breast cancer cell growth by screening of a small molecule library

Background: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are defined as not having amplification of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or epidermal growth factor receptor 2. At present, recovery in patients is severely limited following diagnosis of metastatic TNBC, with less than 30% of patients surviving more than 5 years.. The most effective therapy to date is chemotherapy, which has been unsuccessful due to the lack of therapeutic targets for these aggressive cancers. To identify new molecular targets for TNBC, we have developed a novel method for drug discovery using active compounds for identification of pharmacodynamic biomarkers.

Methods: We used chemical informatics to design a small molecule library that has structural diversity. This library was used to screen for compounds that selectively inhibit the proliferation in TNBC cell lines. The differences in gene expression profiles in cell lines before and after the addition of selected compounds were analyzed and compared with control cells.

Results: We identified (E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-benzofuran-2(3H)-one (DBBF) that exhibited specific inhibition of the proliferation in a TNBC cell line, MDA-MB-468 with IC50 of 2.4 μM. Microarray analysis identified several signaling pathways, including the irinotecan pathway, which changed specifically in the TNBC cell lines by the addition of DBBF.

Conclusion: We have developed a novel research strategy that involves screening of selective inhibitors of TNBC cell line proliferation that can be used for identification of pharmacodynamic biomarkers for TNBC. The discovery of new pathways by this technique should lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for this aggressive cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-09-11.

Identification of a novel inhibitor of triple-negative breast cancer cell growth by screening of a small-molecule library

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are defined as not having amplification of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Recovery of patients is, currently, severely limited after diagnosis of metastatic TNBC, with fewer than 30 % of patients surviving more than 5 years. The most effective therapy to date is chemotherapy, which has been unsuccessful because of lack of therapeutic targets for these aggressive cancers. To identify new molecular targets for TNBC, we have developed a novel method for drug discovery using active compounds for identification of pharmacodynamic biomarkers.

METHODS

We used chemical informatics to design a small-molecule library with structural diversity. This library was used to screen for compounds that selectively inhibit proliferation of TNBC cell lines. Different gene-expression profiles in cell lines before and after the addition of selected compounds were analyzed and compared with those of control cells.

RESULTS

We identified (E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)benzofuran-2(3H)-one (DBBF) which specifically inhibited proliferation of a TNBC cell line, MDA-MB-468, with an IC50 of 2.4 μM. Microarray analysis identified several signaling pathways, including the irinotecan pathway, which changed specifically in the TNBC cell lines on addition of DBBF.

CONCLUSION

We have developed a novel research strategy that involves screening of selective inhibitors of TNBC cell line proliferation that can be used for identification of pharmacodynamic biomarkers for TNBC. The discovery of new pathways by this technique should lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for this aggressive cancer.

Abstract 4741: Development of a novel therapeutic agent for breast cancer based on a new pathway analysis of triple-negative breast cancer

We developed a novel method for drug discovery using active compounds as pharmacodynamic biomarkers in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. [Materials and Methods] Compounds that selectively inhibit proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer were screened in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB231, MDA-MB468 and HCC-38) and control MCF7 and HeLa cell lines. A small molecule library was designed to seek structural diversity by chemical informatics and a total of 30,000 synthetic compounds were assessed considering drug similarities. The differences in gene expression profiles in the cell lines between before and after the addition of the selected compounds were analyzed and compared with the control cells. [Results] Seven compounds that exhibited inhibitory effects on the triple-negative breast cancer cell lines were found in the compound library. These compounds exhibited inhibitory activity with IC50-values ranging from 1.2 to 10.8 μM. The results of the microarray analysis indicated several pathways including the irinotecan pathway that changed specifically in the triple-negative breast cancer cell lines by the addition of the compounds.[Conclusion] A research strategy to screen a compound library with structural diversity and develop a drug discovery system using active compounds as pharmacodynamic biomarkers can be widely applied as a new approach for developing innovative personalized medicine.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4741. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4741

Abstract 1099: Aza-derivatives of resveratrol are potent inhibitors of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)

Resveratrol (3, 4’, 5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a natural phytoalexin found in grapes and wine, has an anti-proliferative activity in human-derived cancer cells. In our study, we used a conventional condensation reaction between aldehydes and amines to provide a number of aza-resveratrol (3, 4’, 5-trihydroxy-trans- aza-stilbene) derivatives in an attempt to screen for compounds with resveratrol's action but with increased potency. Aza-resveratrol and its hydroxylated derivative (3, 4, 4’, 5-tetrahydroxy-trans- aza-stilbene) showed a more enhanced anti-proliferative effect than resveratrol in an MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line. To identify the cellular targets of the aza derivatives of resveratrol, we conjugated the latter aza-stilbene compound with epoxy-activated agarose and performed an affinity purification. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory cytokine, was identified as a major target protein in MCF-7 cell lysates using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS). The aza-resveratrol and its hydroxylated derivative, but not resveratrol, were also found to be potent inhibitors of MIF tautomerase activity, which may be associated with their inhibitory effects on MIF bioactivity for cell growth. Such inhibitors may lead to the development of drugs for the treatment of cancer and, possibly, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1099. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1099

Antitumor activity of a novel small molecule STAT3 inhibitor against a human lymphoma cell line with high STAT3 activation

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, a member of a family of DNA-binding molecules mediating numerous physiological and oncogenic signaling pathways, is a novel target in cancer cells which show high phosphorylation of STAT3. Recently, we identified a novel small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3 dimerization, STX-0119, as a cancer therapeutic. We investigated the mechanisms responsible for the antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo through numerous biochemical and biological assays. Specifically, the effects of STX-0119 on target genes (c-myc, cyclin D1, survivin) and apoptosis induction were analyzed in tumors treated with STX-0119 in vivo. STX-0119 showed strong growth-inhibitory activity against a broad range of hematological cancer cell lines, particularly lymphomas. STX-0119 suppressed the growth of SCC3 cells, a human lymphoma cell line with highly activated STAT3, through apoptosis and down-regulation of STAT3 targets such as c-myc, cyclin D1, survivin and Bcl-xL. Notably, Tyr-705-phosphorylated STAT3 up-regulation was not significantly suppressed by STX-0119, as opposed to other STAT3 inhibitors. STX-0119 demonstrated potent antitumor effects in vivo in SCC3-bearing nude mice by way of the down-regulation of STAT3 target genes and induction of apoptosis in the tumors. Thus, STX-0119 may be a new type of STAT3 inhibitor exhibiting strong antitumor activity.

Identification of a New Series of STAT3 Inhibitors by Virtual Screening

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is considered to be an attractive therapeutic target for oncology drug development. We identified a N-[2-(1,3,4-oxadiazolyl)]-4-quinolinecarboxamide derivative, STX-0119, as a novel STAT3 dimerization inhibitor by a virtual screen using a customized version of the DOCK4 program with the crystal structure of STAT3. In addition, we used in vitro cell-based assays such as the luciferase reporter gene assay and the fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based STAT3 dimerization assay. STX-0119 selectively abrogated the DNA binding activity of STAT3 and suppressed the expression of STAT3-regulated oncoproteins such as c-myc and survivin in cancer cells. In contrast, a truncated inactive analogue, STX-0872, did not exhibit those activities. Oral administration of STX-0119 effectively abrogated the growth of human lymphoma cells in a SCC-3 subcutaneous xenograft model without visible toxicity. Structure-activity relationships of STX-0119 derivatives were investigated using the docking model of the STAT3-SH2 domain/STX-0119.

Antiviral activities against herpes simplex virus type 1 by HPH derivatives and their structure-activity relationships

The compound named Histidine-pyridine-histidine (HPH) is an oxygen-activating ligand derived from the structure of bleomycin. We synthesized HPH derivatives, namely HPH-1 to -8, and investigated their antiviral activities against herpes simplex virus type 1. HPH-8 showed potent antiviral activity with an EC50 of 15 microM, and relatively high cytotoxicity with a CC50 of 37 microM. In contrast, HPH-4 indicated a weaker antiviral activity with an EC50 of 79 microM, but exhibited a far more less cytotoxicity (CC50 500 microM). Other HPH derivatives showed no effects against antiviral activities and cytotoxicities.

Comparative Studies of Anthraquinone- and Anthracene-Tetraamines as Blockers ofN-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptors

Anthraquinone spermine [N1-(anthraquinone-2-carbonyl)spermine; AQ343], anthraquinone homospermine [N1-(anthraquinone-2-carbonyl; AQ444], anthracene spermine [N1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)spermine; Ant343], and anthracene homospermine [N1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)homospermine; Ant444] were found to be potent antagonists of recombinant N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NRs). The effects of both anthraquinone (AQ)- and anthracene (Ant)-tetraamines were reversible and voltage-dependent. Results of experiments using mutant NR1 and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor identified residues that influence block by AQ- and Ant-tetraamines. The results indicate that the polyamine tail is crucial for block by AQ- and Ant-tetraamines. Residues in the outer vestibule of the NR1 subunit were more strongly involved in block by AQ-and Ant-tetraamines than residues in the corresponding region of NR2B. Several amino acid residues in the inner vestibule, below the level of the selectivity filter of NR1 and NR2B, affected block by AQ444, Ant343, and Ant444, but they did not affect block by AQ343. AQ-tetraamines could permeate the channel at very negative membrane potentials when the narrowest constriction of the channel was expanded by replacing the Asn residue at Asn616 of NR1 and NR2B with Gly, whereas Ant-tetraamines did not easily pass through the channel, apparently because of differences in the relative position of the head groups on AQ- and Ant-polyamines.

Protection from spontaneous hepatocellular damage by N-benzyl-d-glucamine dithiocarbamate in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats, an animal model of Wilson's disease

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat is a mutant strain that accumulates excessive tissue copper (Cu) and models the clinical symptoms and biological features of Wilson's disease in humans. We compared the effects of three metal chelating agents, N-benzyl-d-glucamine dithiocarbamate (BGD), d-penicillamine (D-PEN), and triethylenetetramine (TETA), on the biliary and urinary excretions of Cu using LEC rats. The animals were treated ip with each chelating agent (1 mmol/kg body weight) and then the bile and urine samples were collected for 3 h. Because single treatment with BGD markedly stimulated biliary excretion of Cu, the protective effect of repeated BGD injection on spontaneous hepatocellular damage was further examined. Separate groups received two weekly injections of BGD starting at 11 weeks of age and were compared to saline-injected controls. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and bilirubin level were significantly increased in control LEC rats by 19 weeks of age and histopathological analysis demonstrated extensive hepatic damage in these rats. However, repeated BGD injections prevented the increases in serum ALT and bilirubin and blocked the histopathological changes in the liver. Furthermore, although Cu rapidly accumulated in the liver, kidney, spleen, and serum of control LEC rats during the test period, repeated BGD injection largely prevented these increases. These results indicate that BGD treatment is effective in blocking excessive Cu accumulation in LEC rats that, in turn, provides protection from spontaneous liver damage.

Inhibitory effects of flavonoids on the reduction of progesterone to 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in rat liver

The first aim of this study is to characterize the reduction of progesterone in rat liver. Progesterone was mainly reduced to 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in the cytosolic fraction of rat liver. The amount of 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone formed from progesterone in the cytosolic fraction was significantly larger in the males than in the females and this enzyme reaction proceeded not only in the presence of NADPH, but also in the presence of NADH. Furthermore, we attempted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of 15 flavonoids on the NADPH-dependent reduction of progesterone to 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in liver cytosol of male rats. The order of the inhibitory potencies was luteolin>apigenin>quercetin>myricetin=fisetin=kaempferol. Other flavonoids exhibited lower inhibitory potencies. Energy-minimized molecular models demonstrated that a planar benzopyrone ring (A and C rings) with a coplanar phenyl ring (B ring) is a structural characteristic determining the inhibitory effects of flavonoids other than isoflavones.

Inhibitory activities against topoisomerase I & II by polyhydroxybenzoyl amide derivatives and their structure–activity relationship

o-, m-, p-Phenylenediamines having 2,3,4-trihydroxy, 3,4 dihydroxy, and 4-hydroxybenzoyl moieties were prepared and their inhibitory activities were measured against topoisomerase I and II. More hydroxy groups on two aromatic rings increased the activities. Bis(trihydroxybenzoyl)-o-phenylenediamide showed IC(50)=0.90 and 0.09 microM against topoisomerase I and II, respectively. Compounds with hydroxy groups protected by acetyl moiety still had the activities. Less hydroxy groups decreased their activities. Benzothiazole derivatives also indicated the activities.

Anthraquinone Polyamines: Novel Channel Blockers to StudyN-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors

The effects of various anthraquinone polyamines (AQP) were studied at recombinant N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The AQP derivatives had different numbers of methylene groups between the NH(2) (or NH) groups in their spermidine-like tail. Thus, we termed these derivatives AQ33, AQ34, etc. All AQP derivatives inhibited responses of NR1/NR2 receptors in oocytes voltage-clamped at -70 mV, with IC(50) values between 4 and 22 microM. The block was strongly voltage-dependent. AQ34 and AQ33b inhibited responses of NR1/NR2 receptors but did not inhibit responses of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors expressed from GluR1 or GluR2(Q), indicating that AQ34 and AQ33b are preferential NMDA antagonists. Results of experiments using mutant NR1 and NR2 subunits identified residues that influence block by AQ34 and AQ33b. These residues are located in the outer vestibule at the selectivity filter/narrowest constriction of the channel and in the inner vestibule below the level of the selectivity filter. The results with mutant NR1 and NR2 subunits are consistent with the idea that NR1(Asn616) and NR2B(Asn616), but not NR2B(Asn615), make the narrowest constriction of NMDA channel.

A novel methylthio metabolite of s-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazine, a lead compound for the development of antianxiety drugs, in rats

When s-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazine (Tri-P) was orally administered in rats, a more lipophilic metabolite M-1 than the parent compound was isolated from the urine. The metabolite M-1 was identified as 7-methylthio Tri-P by means of high resolution MS and two-dimensional NMR spectrometry. Furthermore, the 7-methylthio conjugate was generated from the parent compound Tri-P in isolated rat hepatocytes. Although the contribution of the intestinal microflora to the formation of methylthio metabolite has been pointed out so far, the limited data in this study lead us to conclude that the liver plays a role in all metabolic reactions of Tri-P to its 7-methylthio conjugate in rats.

Antiuveitis and inhibition of fibroblast-like corneal and conjunctival cell cultures by interleukin-1 blockers, CK 125, CK 126 and CK 128

Three new interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockers, CK 125, CK 126 and CK 128, were studied for their effects on IL-1-induced uveitis in rat eyes. They were more potent (at 3-10 mg/kg t.i.d.) than prednisolone (20 mg/kg t.i.d.) in effectively inhibiting posterior uveitis. They were also found to inhibit fibroblast-like corneal cells at 10-300 micrograms/ml concentrations and conjunctival cells at 1-30 micrograms/ml levels. The incorporation of leucine into corneal and conjunctival cells was either stimulated or unaffected by CK 126, indicating that the inhibition of cell growth has nothing to do with the protein synthesis. However, the incorporation of uridine into corneal and conjunctival cells was markedly inhibited by CK 126 at 3-30 micrograms/ml concentrations whereas the incorporation of thymidine into the cells was inhibited at a lesser extent than that of uridine. These results indicate that cell inhibition by CK 126 could be related mainly to the synthesis of mRNA and, to a lesser extent, to DNA synthesis.

Inhibition of interleukin-1-induced uveitis and corneal fibroblast proliferation by interleukin-1 blockers

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is known to trigger induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to persistently mass produce nitric oxide (NO) to induce various diseases such as cancer, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease and eye diseases, including uveitis, retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and myopia. Therefore, IL-1 blockers could become an important class of drugs to fight numerous diseases. Among the many compounds studied so far, 1-methyl hydrazino analogs are among the most promising agents to be developed. A minor structural change of 1-methyl hydrazino group into 1-methyl thiosemicarbazido group enhanced their anti-inflammatory activity but reduced their antiproliferation activity on corneal fibroblast cell growth.

[Recent endoscopic treatment in gastroenterology]

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment became to be necessary in gastroenterology for last two decades. Indication of endoscopic treatment is amazingly expanding because of developing new techniques and easy-to-use devices. Nowadays, the indication for endoscopic treatment includes the removal of foreign bodies in alimentary tract, the dilatation of stricture lesions by balloon or expandable metallic stent, the resection of polypoid and superficial tumors by polypectomy and EMR (endoscopic mucosal resection) techniques, the injection sclerotherapy and ligation method for gastroesophageal varices, the hemostasis of gastrointestinal hemorrhages by injection method or heat-burn method. In biliary and pancreatic area, there are some endoscopic treatments that are removal and destruction of stones in common bile duct, biliary and pancreatic drainage by tubing method. Our results of endoscopic resection for esophageal and gastric tumors are shown in this papers. In conclusion, complete resection that means histologically tumor negative of lateral and vertical margin of resected specimen is important to prevent recurrence of tumors after resection.